Integration 1: Moreau
Anthony Polotto
Oct 14, 2021
Finding “My People” Under the Dome
“It's the people”. When asking current Notre Dame students the sole reason for why they
“love thee”, the answer always centralizes around the people. As a prospective student last year,
I was overly invested in the college application process, divulging myself into every aspect of the
schools I applied to, to discover the “best fit”. When I opened my acceptance letter, I
experienced a wave of emotions and such a euphoric feeling which shook me emotionally. At the
moment, I really did not know anything about Notre Dame besides it being associated with my
dad screaming at the TV on Sundays when the Irish played. But from that day on, I learned every
single thing there is to know about this school, attending every virtual information session on
Monday, watching every “day in the life of a Notre Dame student” YouTube video, and even
scrolling through some #NotreDame TikToks I managed to find. And through this content
browsing and intense research what did I learn? Notre Dame seemed to have it all: a perfect
harmony of school spirit, spiritual life, challenging academics, opportunity for networking, but
what stood out to me the most was the community. After receiving acceptances from several
other schools, Notre Dame consistently stood out for its effort to welcome me to my future
“home under the dome”. When attending the virtual Riley Spring Visit Weekend, I heard
countless testimonies from students who shared how their experiences at Notre Dame have been
so positive and life changing because of the people. So, when my family and I finally made the
decision for me to come to Notre Dame, I was overly eager to see how my expectations about the
people, and community would prevail when I arrived.
At the start of college I was searching for my people: and as cliche as it sounds, the
people who would help me get through the next four years, the people who looked so happy in
the brochures and videos, and the people who would challenge me to be the best version of
myself. During Welcome Week, all I could think about was meeting these people, and it started
to become very overwhelming. As students spoke at the introduction to Moreau speech, my head
was so consumed with the fear of acceptance and questions about what people would initially
think of me. As I sat in the auditorium, I overheard conversations of people talking about their
major, their classes, all that they had done over the summer, and what they were already doing to
get ahead. This was even more stressful for me because my only wish was to belong in this new
environment. A few days into classes, I began to talk more with my roommate and the people on
the fourth floor of my dorm. The adjustment was coming more naturally, and then I watched the
Ted Talk by Brene Brown. In her talk, Brown discussed the power of connection, and how, “the
ability to feel connected is neurobiologically how we are wired. It’s why we are here.” ("The
Power of Vulnerability"-by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week One) This scientific concept
accounted for my own desire to create meaningful, long lasting relationships with others who I
can relate to and feel comfortable with. Oftentimes in a new environment with new people, I
look for ways to connect with my peers through relating. Brown’s words really clicked with me
as I realized that vulnerability is the only way to truly give yourself the chance to cultivate
connections with others.
I believe that an integral part of vulnerability also comes with accepting failure, and
acknowledging my weaknesses in order to grow. In high school I had a “perfectionist” mindset,
and although I do feel like that is part of how I am here, when looking back at the root for my
growth, it lies within my struggle and setback. In Week Two of the course I listened to David
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&list=PLmiPsabET-W_hjesjTZaITh2s1WbM-Kd0&index=3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&list=PLmiPsabET-W_hjesjTZaITh2s1WbM-Kd0&index=3
Brooks explain the contrast between the two different sides of human nature. “Adam 1 is built by
building on your strengths, Adam 2 is built by fighting your weaknesses”(“Should You Live for
your Resume or Your Eulogy?” by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two). Brooks highlights
such a critical question which I feel that I should reflect on more often: What are my intentions
in doing this, and ultimately what is my purpose? By asking myself these questions as I begin to
get involved in different activities and events on campus, I hope to compartmentalize my time
efficiently.
In Week 3, I was reminded of the person who I am striving to be. I believe that my
purpose and my vocation is to use the strengths and identity God has given me in a way to help
and inspire others. “The person who lives in the dawning of faith, hope, and love is someone
whom C. S. Lewis calls one of the “new people.” (“Faith Brings Light to a Dark World-by
Professor David Fagerberg- Moreau FYE Week Three )He says you can spot them. “But you
must know what to look for.” This quote from Professor David Fagerberg presents me with an
enlightening outlook on the woman I eventually will become at Notre Dame. The testimonies
from students that I watched senior year, gave me a glimpse into this community of less than
9,000 students. But it wasn’t until I arrived on campus, that I realized how amazing the people
really are. Whether it is the random stranger who smiles at me as I walk to class, or the friend
who pushes me to persevere through that Chemistry homework late at night , I have seen the
effect of faith even more now than ever before.
Although it is pretty uncommon to have a negative encounter with someone here on
campus, I believe that it is important to know how to try to turn any difficult situation or
circumstance into a positive one. Week four’s lesson on building healthy relationships built upon
trust, love, respect and equity equipped me with strategies to create long lasting relationships
https://youtu.be/MlLWTeApqIM
https://youtu.be/MlLWTeApqIM
https://bit.ly/2MwCxs4
with all of the friends I had met so far. Olivia T. Taylor writes, “Some people tend to focus on the
negative more than the positive. It’s a learned habit, so try challenging your friend by pointedly
asking them about something positive that’s going on in their life.”(5 Signs You’re in a Toxic
Friendship" by - Olivia T. Taylor Moreau FYE Week Four). My montra has always been “You
got this”. As a flyer on the cheerleading team in high school, my optimism and positive mindset
has been something which has kept me from falling, both literally and figuratively. During my
time at Notre Dame, I hope to maintain this spirit, and be that friend who will uplift people when
they need it.
I also hope to take this same spirit of optimism and joy to give back to the community
here in South Bend. Service and caring for other people is something that brings me great joy in
doing. During week five I reflected on Carla Harris’s words, “I have learned that the way to grow
your power is indeed to give it away.” ( 2021 Laetare Medalist Address-byCarla Harris
Moreau FYE Week Five ) As a freshman I hope to make time to get involved in service, and
exemplify a “force for good” in this world. Likewise, in the poem I wrote the following week I
was reminded of my home and the values that have been instilled in me since a child. I value
inclusion, exploration, determination, kindness, and hope. ( "Where I'm From” -by George
Ella Lyon Moreau Week 6)Where I have been, the family I have been raised in, and the friends
I chose have all been factors in shaping my core values which drive me to make decisions each
day I am here at Notre Dame.
Last week was a good opportunity to review implicit biases. In my senior year I
conducted a research project on the maternal mortality crisis for women of color and how
implicit bias is the leading cause of these disparities. As a future health care worker, I believe
that implicit bias training and reflection is critical to becoming an advocate for my future
https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/
https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4
http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html
patients. ("How to Think About 'Implicit Bias'"-by Scientific American- Moreau Week 7)
Understanding that we all have biases is so important, and in my dorm and throughout campus
this year I hope to build a more inclusive culture at Notre Dame, and learn how I can become
better myself.
Throughout each week of Moreau I have identified with one of core values and beliefs
that make me who I am. As I continue throughout my journey, I hope to discover more of these
values and create relationships that will last for a lifetime.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-think-about-implicit-bias/